City Committee Approves Undocumented ID Card

The Los Angeles City Council's Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee passed a motion Tuesday to approve Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Universal City Services Card.

A mock up of what the new card will contain, including a description of security features (Photo courtesy of the City of Los Angeles)

The Universal City Services Card will act as both a library card and debit card for undocumented immigrants. It will also be considered an official ID and allow immigrants access to banking services.

Many cities have already implemented a card similar to the Universal City Services Card. In San Francisco and Oakland, anyone who can prove residency can receive an identification card. Los Angeles is home to an estimated 4.3 million immigrants, and Villaraigosa said it's time his city did something about it.

The idea for the card started as part of Villaraigosa's efforts to help immigrants open bank accounts so they wouldn't become targets of crime. The new card has high hopes of reducing crime in LA since fewer people would have to carry cash.

However, not all Angelenos are on board. This card has sparked quite the controversy, frustrating many activists against illegal immigration. Many believe illegal immigrants shouldn't be rewarded for illegally being in America.

With the new motion passed, Villaraigoa's plan awaits its next approval by the City Council.